The new network is called H&I, which stands for Heroes and Icons. It went live in Chicago Monday on Channel 23.2, and also hit the air in Milwaukee, with plans to add a South Bend, Ind., TV station and Chicago cable systems soon, according to Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting.

The so-called diginet will provide programming for the digital subchannels of broadcast TV stations and on cable systems, a platform that family-owned Weigel Broadcasting pioneered through its MeTV network, which beats many cable networks in the ratings in markets across the U.S.

Weigel, which also owns WCIU-Ch. 26 in Chicago, along with stations in Milwaukee and South Bend, launched MeTV in 2010. The classic television network has some 160 broadcast affiliates reaching 91 percent of TV households.

“The creation of H&I comes at the request of our affiliate base, who have asked for an additional programming option,” Sabin said in a memo to his staff. “As more players attempt to enter the diginet space, we at Weigel are committed not only to keeping MeTV the most successful network in the space, but providing additional opportunities.”

Other shows lined up for H&I include: "The Commish," "Wiseguy," "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" and "Renegade," with additional series to be added to the network shortly, according to Sabin.

“Its presentation and focus will be different from MeTV, yet be produced with the same DNA and architecture of America’s number one diginet,” Sabin said. “Strong main characters featured in iconic series will populate the schedule of H&I.”